It’s a common tradition at the start of a new year to choose your “Word of the Year.” In Dressing Your Truth, let’s take this a step further and select your “Style Word of the Year!”
The benefit of choosing a Style Word is that it can help you hone your personal style.
The Experts weigh in on how choosing keywords can transform your style over the next 12 months!
Why Style Keywords Can Help You Hone Your Style
Type 1 Expert Jaleah shares how the past keyword, “Fresh,” helped her: “Style School from 2023 taught me that freshening things up every now and then helps me enjoy the process of putting on clothes every day, even more.”
Type 2 Expert Anne took the keyword “Effortlessly Chic” and elevated her style. “I am really good at putting beautiful Type 2 outfits together, but many of my looks are expected and comfortable. “Chic” speaks to my desire to step out of my comfort zone with outfits that are unexpected and interesting. But not at the expense of taking more time and energy. I look forward to the fabulous outfits that I’ll come up with — quickly!”
The biggest influence in honing my style are 4 words: “Yang-Yang-Yin-Yang.” Knowing my yin-yang movement as a Type 3/4, my past words were “Easy and Classy”. “2024 is my 20th year anniversary for dressing my Type 3/4 truth! And, I can honestly say that dressing and creating a daily personal style true to me has become super easy… it is part of my empowered aging strategy to add components to my style that create a “classy” look. Even with my casual outfits, it is easy to do this with the right shoes, a great handbag, statement jewelry, and stylish eyewear are just a few ways I easily add classy.”
Last year Kalista’s style words were “Flexible Fashion” and supported her looking great even in times of rest. She said, “Seasons of life alter our wardrobe needs and desires. In the past, I’ve had a more smart-casual style. I would never have thought to wear lounge pants as actual pants, and yet here I am. In 2024 I’m looking forward to creating styles that reflect a chic refinement in fabrics and fashions that are as comfortable as they are cute.”
Some Keywords Just Don’t Work—And That’s Okay!
I’ve had experiences where I tried out certain keywords that didn’t work out well. I still consider this a positive outcome because it helped me clarify what does works!
For example, I have given up “plush.” This fabrication is just too soft for me and I know now not to try and make it work. No more plush vests, jackets, sweaters, or pullovers!
Type 4 Expert Kalista had a similar experience—even with a Type 4 keyword. “Still. I’ve tried the sleek stark look with minimal movement, I didn’t love it. My style felt flat. I know that I need more movement and pattern, especially in my hairstyles.”
What Did the Experts Choose for 2025?
Jaleah: “Adventuresome!”
“I want to be more adventurous! Try new things, and enjoy the trends. Style School from 2024 taught me that freshening things up every now and then helps me enjoy the process of putting on clothes every day, even more.”
“A color I want to play with more is ORANGE I have the least amount of orange in my closet. And that color screams adventure to me! So here is to 2025 and wearing more orange, and finding the adventure!”
Anne: “Lovely and Inviting”
“These words reflect my desire to embrace beauty, peace, and harmony in all areas of my life. Lovely reminds me to embody kindness, grace, and warmth. I will reflect this in my clothing choices by choosing delicate patterns, softer colors and flowing design lines – all which are present in Type 2 energy naturally, but I will lean into them a little more.”
“The word Inviting inspires me to radiate warmth and confidence, creating an atmosphere of comfort for myself and others. Together, these words guide me to embody grace and connection in the year ahead.”
“My color of the year is a soft powder blue inspired by the color azure blue featured in the Fall/Winter 2024 Style School. This soft yet vibrant shade feels calm, confident, and approachable. I always get compliments when I wear this color, so I’m embracing it as my “power color” in 2025.”
Carol: “Basics Staples”
“I’ve been loving the Type 3 “Black Cherry” shade we introduced in our 2024 Fall Style School! This deep, rich tone is such a dynamic alternative to black—it brings out our natural dynamic energy without dulling us down.”
“Lately, I’ve also felt drawn to lean into more of our classic Type 3 staples—animal prints, denim, layers—you know, those timeless elements that help us feel rich and empowered. It reminded me of just how foundational these pieces are, and how much they simplify styling while keeping it exciting.”
If you’re feeling a little stuck in your wardrobe or just need a refresh, I encourage you to revisit the Type 3 Beginner’s Course. It’s the perfect way to reconnect with the basics and uncover any pieces or tips you might’ve forgotten. Sometimes, going back to the basics is exactly what we need to reignite our confidence and energy.”
“What Type 3 basics are calling you right now? Share a pic in the Lifestyle Facebook group.“
Kalista: “Bold and Vibrant”
“As my health has become more stable and my energy levels are more consistent, I’ve had an increased desire and ability to put more effort into my style. (Thank goodness!). I still need to keep it simple and no fuss, but I am craving color and pattern!’
“This year I’m excited to bring in more bold patterns and unexpected colors. We learned more about Black Cherry Red in our fall 2024 Style School, and I have enjoyed searching for more items in that color. I will also be wearing my all-time favorite color to wear, Kelly Green, as it aligns perfectly with my keyword vibrant!”
Now it’s your turn! What will your 2025 “Style” Word of the Year be?
I’ve put together your Energy Type’s keywords in easy-to-reference lists in Lifestyle:
Post a comment and picture in the Lifestyle Facebook group sharing your Style Word(s) of the Year!
